Biofuels Demand Driving Corn & Soybean Price Spikes

John Davis

graintraders.JPGCorn and soybean prices have gone to record levels as producers struggle to keep up with food and biofuel demands.

Bloomberg.com says a new U.S. government report prompted traders to push soybean prices to a record of about $13 a bushel while corn prices hit an 11-year high of $4.95 a bushel:

The world soybean harvest will fall 6.5 percent this year, U.S. corn inventories will be 20 percent less than estimated a month ago, and wheat farmers in Kansas and Texas planted less even as the price of the grain doubled, the Department of Agriculture said in separate reports today.

“We can’t grow our way out of this grain-shortage hole,” said Jim Gerlach, president of A/C Trading Inc. in Fowler, Indiana. “We’ll have to price our way out. I’m bullish until further notice. We’ll see ups and downs, but the trend will remain higher.”

What this ultimately means for ethanol and biodiesel producers is a high cost for feedstocks, cutting into already tight margins for biofuels. Ironically, it’s the success of the green fuels that is driving up the cost for what makes them.

Biodiesel, corn, Ethanol, News

FAPRI Analyzes Energy Bill

John Davis

fapri.jpgThe Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri has completed an analysis of the new energy bill, and the results seem to point to some pretty positive results from the legislation.

FAPRI reports the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, signed into law by President Bush on December 19th, will have positive consequences for biofuels in the short and long term. From the report’s summary:

Relative to baseline projections developed in early 2007, the implementation of the selected provisions of EISA would have important implications for biofuel and agricultural markets.

• Under a range of plausible assumptions, the EISA mandates result in more ethanol and biodiesel production than would otherwise occur.

• Higher levels of biofuel production translate into increased use of corn and vegetable oil. This increase in demand results in higher prices for corn, soybeans and most other agricultural commodities.

• Higher crop prices translate into reduced taxpayer costs of government farm programs and higher levels of crop producer income.

• Impacts of higher mandates are very sensitive to the price of petroleum and assumptions regarding the extension of current biofuel tax credits and tariffs.

You can read the full analysis by clicking here.

Biodiesel, Ethanol, Government, News

Galveston Biodiesel Plant Back On

John Davis

A Galveston, Texas biodiesel plant that looked like it was done after oil giant Chevron backed out of a deal to expand operations, now looks like it is back to expanding its efforts.

This story in the Houston Chronicle says Galveston Bay Biodiesel will spend $15 million to do some improvements and settle legal claims against it after Chevron left the project high and dry last year:

Galveston Bay Biodiesel, the partnership that owns the plant, said the money is coming from one of the original investors in the project but did not identify the investor.

In a statement, the partnership said it will use $2.2 million of the money to settle lien claims filed last year by J.M. Davidson, a Corpus Christi-based construction firm, and other vendors who said they weren’t paid fully for work performed at the plant.

Other money will go to finish some modifications and expansions of the plant, which the partnership contends were halted last year when Chevron decided not to invest more money in the project.

The article says Chevron claims it was in the deal just to get things started, but the partnership says Chevron breached its agreement and misrepresented itself to up its part in the plant. The Chevron infusion was suppose to help the plant go from 20 million gallons a year to 100 million. This new investment should help the plant expand to 40 million gallons a year.

Biodiesel

BioGold From the USA to the UK and Beyond

John Davis

BioGold FuelsBioGold Fuels is extending the reach of its operations throughout the Western World. The company has entered into a joint venture with a company in the United Kingdom to establish waste to energy plants throughout Europe.

BioGold Fuels Corporation in a joint venture with Jack Allen Holdings Limited, has formed BioGold Fuels U.K. Limited and BioGold Fuels Europe Limited. The companies will work together to build plants throughout Europe that will convert waste into biodiesel, fuels, and energy, including fuel cells.

“BioGold is excited to be expanding our operations into the European market,” said BioGold’s CEO, Steve Racoosin. “Our collaboration with Jack Allen Holdings Limited, with their local expertise in the UK and throughout Europe, will strengthen BioGold’s success in producing biodiesel and energy throughout Europe. Our initial focus is on the United Kingdom with future plans to expand and build plants throughout Europe.”

Agribusiness, Biodiesel, Energy, Facilities, International, News, Production

Biodiesel Producers Gear Up for Orlando

John Davis

biodieselconference.gifIn less than a month, biodiesel producers, users, and enthusiasts will gather in sunny Orlando, Florida for the National Biodiesel Board’s 2008 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo.

The event is touted as the “largest and most comprehensive event in the history of the biodiesel industry.” This press release from the NBB says Florida has become a natural place for biodiesel with NASA, the Orlando International Airport, Universal Studios, and Florida Power & Light using the green fuel and two new biodiesel plants in the Sunshine State:

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) hosts the fifth annual conference February 3 – 6 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando. A record 4,000 people are expected to attend. The conference is sure to enrich attendees with world class sessions and speakers during what promises to be a year full of changes for the industry.

“The biodiesel industry is at a turning point,” said Donnell Rehagen, NBB Chief Operations Officer and conference director. “The future of the industry depends on cooperation, coordination and a strategic approach to the changing landscape which provides both opportunities and challenges. This conference will provide the platform from which to launch our course for the future.”

Just like last year, Domestic Fuel will be there, covering all the events. You can stay up-to-date with the latest information at the 2008 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo blog.

Biodiesel

Ethanol Outlook for 2008

Cindy Zimmerman

2008 could be an even better year than 2007 for the ethanol industry.

That’s the outlook of Renewable Fuels Association president Bob Dinneen. In the first “Ethanol Report” podcast for 2008, Dinneen gazes into his crystal ball and sees blue skies and big challenges for the ethanol industry this year.

Bob Dinneen“I think we will continue to see dramatic growth in ethanol production here at home and abroad as well,” said Dinneen. “You’re going to see ethanol used in parts of the country where it really has not been used much before.”

The challenges are going to come in meeting the targets of the recently passed energy bill, especially in commercializing cellulosic ethanol.

“It’s not going to be easy, we’re going to be working awfully hard,” but he says it will ultimately result in tremendous benefits for rural economies and the nation’s consumers.

The presidential elections will be the main focus this year, but Dinneen says ethanol is a bipartisan issue that is supported by all the candidates who are learning more about it as they campaign around the Midwest. “There really is not a single candidate that has failed to express support for increasing the production and use of renewable fuels like ethanol,” Dinneen said. “They all get it.”

Listen to RFA’s “The Ethanol Report” podcast here – Ethanol Report on 2008 Outlook Or subscribe to it on “The Ethanol Report” blog.

Audio, Ethanol, News, RFA

Nacel Unveils 80 MW Power Plan

John Davis

nacel.jpgNacel Energy has unveiled a plan to put up 80 megawatts of wind power generation, enough to power more than 25,000 homes, over the next three years.

This story from CNNMoney.com says the community-based wind power company will help local communities cash in on the growing wind energy industry:

NACEL Energy President Brian Lavery stated:

“The development of 80 MW of new wind power generation facilities will enhance NACEL Energy’s present operations and will provide a growth profile consistent with the Company’s goals of increasing enterprise and shareholder value. Our intention is to continue to follow our sustainable community wind development model which includes local equity partners.”

NACEL Energy is one of the first companies in the nation developing COMMUNITY WIND — utility-scale wind power generation — but with a sustainable footprint and local partners. COMMUNITY WIND projects are generally less than 20 MW and can enjoy a competitive advantage over other forms of wind energy development; including faster permitting times, local political support and additional government incentives.

The community wind projects are generally located in rural areas, so farmers whose land hosts the windmills should be able to get the most advantage out of the partnerships.

Wind

Troubled Times at Imperium

John Davis

imperium-logo1.gifSeattle-based biodiesel giant Imperium Renewables seems to be hitting some tough times lately.

The latest news from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer says the company is laying people off:

The Seattle biodiesel producer, which employed 107 people in mid-August, did not provide specific numbers. It issued this short statement when asked about the layoff by the P-I’s Andrea James.

“Imperium Renewables has reduced its corporate workforce. The move is part of an ongoing restructuring plan that realigns the company to address short term challenges and ensure the company’s long term growth. These changes do not impact production of biodiesel at Imperium Grays Harbor.”

This news comes on the heels of last week’s postponement of the company’s initial public offering (see my Jan. 3rd post) and chief executive Martin Tobias either leaving or being told to leave the company last month (see my Dec. 27th post).

There’s not a lot of information on why all of this is happening right now for Imperium, but speculation is that rising feedstock prices, including soybean oil, is putting the squeeze on the company.

Biodiesel

Ethanol Pioneer Dies

Cindy Zimmerman

Don EvansOne of the original ethanol visionaries has passed away, but the plant he helped to build in 1984 continues to operate.

The Washington Post today published the obituary of Donald Evans, a Washington area lawyer and “70s ethanol pioneer,” as the headline reads. In 1980, he and other partners formed New Energy Inc. of Indiana to build a $185 million ethanol production plant in South Bend, Ind.

Much of their construction expense was covered by an Energy Department loan guarantee through the federal alcohol fuels program, and the plant became operational by 1984.

Mr. Evans, who served as chief operating officer, weathered a volatile business climate as oil prices and public outcry for alternative energies declined substantially. He sold his interest in 1990 and went on to other business ventures, even as New Energy continued to operate.

Evans died Jan. 5 of head injuries sustained in a 2005 boating accident.

Ethanol, News

Professor Using Own Technology for Biodiesel Plant

John Davis

gao.jpgA professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale want to build a biodiesel plant that uses technology he and his fellow researchers have been working on.

This story from the Southern.com web site (in Carbondale, Illinois) says SIUC professor Yong Gao wants to use two chemical processes he has perfected in the lab at his own biodiesel plant to see just how good the technology is in the field:

One of Gao’s patented processes involves taking “brown” and “yellow” (food industry jargon for used oil) grease drippings from fried food and converting it into biodiesel fuel.

Recycling the grease, collected in tanks at restaurants, would save space at local landfills. Gao said he wants to make inquiries with disposal sites nationwide about brown grease. About 5 billion pounds of the stuff produced in the United States annually could be converted into 300 million gallons of biodiesel. The state of Illinois alone has more than 300 landfill sites for burying solid wastes, Gao said.

“It’s doable. The technology is there dealing with brown grease,” Gao said while holding up two small vials, one with the raw brown liquid and the other with a converted clear biodiesel fuel.

It’s a production process that takes up to two hours and involves smelly emissions, which is the worst effect to the environment, Gao said. The Environmental Protection Agency does not classify brown grease as a hazardous waste.

Another one of Gao’s processes uses a soybean oil derivative as an anti-gelling additive that allows the biodiesel to be used at lower temperatures.

Biodiesel